apart from visual and obviously size, what are the differences in ownership of the two? does either tow any better? currently have an avante 524,1325kg, looking at the bailey 620/6,1540kg. would have to reduce payload by about 50kg to keep within the vectra`s max. weights,but a family of 4 surely can`t need the amount of stuff we take??????
------------- a bad day at golf beats a good day at work!
We have never owned a twin axle, and would avoid them based on what we have been told by people familiar with them. (1) When turning, or on roundabouts, van tries to push straight on, so a sturdy tow vehicle is needed to control it. (2) Without a mover, they are a beast to manoeuvre. (3) The site owner where we stayed in August has banned them from his grass.
Before anyone sets out to hang me, bear in mind that this is what I have learned from other people; it isn't my personal opinion. But it would still influence me from ever having a twin axle van.
Yep, a Vectra sounds pretty dodgy for towing a twin-axle, you sure you've checked the weights correctly? Or is the Bailey you mention particularly light?
I have to say that I'm regularly astonished at the cars I see towing twin-axles. The 'problem' seems to be that with modern high-torque diesels, the cars can move the vans without much trouble, but the potential for disaster in an instability situation seems to me to be pretty high!
With regard to single v. twin-axle, we seem to be suffering with 3rd party info again!! From personal experience(!!), if your outfit is properly balanced, controlling a twin-axle is not a problem. Yes, if when manoeuvring you make a very tight turn, then you'll suffer wheel scrub. With regard to siteing a twin-axle, learn to reverse and there's no problem, and I'd rather reverse a twin-axle trailer any day rather then a single.
vectra max tow is 1500kg, MTPLM of the bailey ranger is 1540 kg, light for a 6 berth twin axle! unladen weight is 1281kg still allowing for quite a payload. as mentioned the 2.2dti in the vectra does feel a strong engine but weight issues were a concern,tows an elddis avante 524 like a dream though
------------- a bad day at golf beats a good day at work!
We have recently stepped up to a twin axle 620/6 from a single axle Compass Rallye GTE. From my experience so far I find that the twin axle is more stable under tow. Less pitching and less susceptible to sideways forces due to passing trucks etc.
You will notice a twin axle "scrub" its wheels slightly as you take sharp corners and I can see how this could mess up a wet field. However during my last outing to Northbrook CC site I had to park on wet grass and the van was reversed into position with no more damage caused to the surface than the single axle vans parked next to me.
As others have mentioned they are more difficult to man handle into position than a single axle but I personally would not want to push a single axle van weighing more than 1500Kgs around on my own anyway.
There seems to be an element of stigma that surrounds twin axle vans but we could not find the "right" layout for our family on a single.
Just purchased a 620/6 and had no problems with side turbulance on the motorway and it was very stable behind my C8 (max tow 1700kg). No problems with cornering on A roads either and I even turned it round from the outside lane of a dual carraigeway to the inside lane on the other carraigeway without any hint of resistance from the van.
Yes Dave, as I said previously, modern diesels can shift the weight without too much trouble.
But it's instability which can potentially be a problem, also, if you're exceeding the car's maximum towing limit and you have an accident, your insurance could ne invalidated, and if you have any related mechanical problems and the car is still under warranty, then your warranty could be invalidated.
Hi we have a twin axle and we love it, def tows better than the old single axle we had the only thing I would say is yes you will need a motor mover.............other than that go for it, if you have the right tow vehicle.
------------- 'A motorhome is for life, not just for Summer'
We have a twin axle and it tows like a dream. Not that I do much towing cos I'm the navigator. Our motor mover is called a landrover discovery, hubby very good at reversing and in 4 years of ownership have never had a problem getting on a pitch. I do agree though that you need a big beastie to tow with. If nothing else, for peace of mind.
OH MY GOD ! We have just bought a twin axle & it came with free medical insurance to deal with the hernias that you get while moving it... On tarmac its a nightmare... God help us when we get onto grass...
Hi, Agree with Disco Diva apart from my motor mover is a Toyota Landcruiser. These twin axles are a dream to reverse. You will hardy notice any difference between a single axle and a twin axle on single carriageways, they come into their own on Dual carriageways and Motorways....I have towed both for a many years and it's the twin axles for me now.(mosizely, stop worring, do all the manouvering with the car, it's what it's for)
We purchased our first van about 6 weeks ago - a twin axle Lunar Delta/4. Lunars are notably lighter in weight. We love ours for the extra length/living space and have no complaints whatsover. We have a motor mover on it but haven't really had to use it yet. We've stayed on sites where we have been able to reverse into place quite easily and hitched up by reversing the car into place without having to drag the van. This is OH's first time at towing a van and he has no complaints either. The Lunar's (for their lighter weight) are definitely worth looking at.
Hi, we have a Adria forma twin axle and as mentioned by others ours is also very stable to tow and is no problem when reversing etc. You can push it by hand in a straight line but to turn it is hard work, but why struggle use the car. Other things to consider are, Two extra tyres to replace, Two extra sets or brakes to service. but otherwise the extra room is worth it. The only 'problem' we have had is a puncture and due to it being a twin axle it wasn't spotted for a while as it ran on the other wheel without leaning or swaying, I suppose it gives you the chance to get somewhere safe if you do have a blowout as it will still tow?
------------- Doing as little as possible for as much as possible...
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: twin vs single axle
